Tape on #3 upper stage could not hold onto the motor. The motor ejected the nosecone and itself.


 

Contributed by Rich DeAngelis

This photo was taken immediately after recovery.  Notice there is no motor casing!  I may not have pressed the tape tight enough against the motor tube here, but either way I don't like this method of motor retention if it is not fool-proof. It's also ugly and can be seen on the model when prepped for flight.  I recommend using internal tape between the motor and tube, for both cosmetics and reliability.

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